Engage in dialogue, President urges polls boycotting parties

President Abdul Hamid on Wednesday appealed to the parties which boycotted the 10th parliamentary elections to engage in dialogue with the government to help flourish the country's democracy. He also appealed to such polls-boycotting parties to help build a consensus by shunning the path of confrontation and anarchy and to extend cooperation in enhancing the image of Bangladesh by leaving the company of communal and terrorist organisations. Making the appeal in his address at the inaugural session of the 10th parliament, the President said: “Please help democracy flourish through dialogue with the government. Please contribute towards the establishment of a tolerant democratic system by removing hatred, violence and confrontation from politics.” He further said: “The politics of terrorism and hatred carried out in the name of movement for changing the election procedure cannot bring welfare to the country, society and economy. Rather, it plunges the political environment into darkness.” President Abdul Hamid urged all irrespective of political parties, classes and professions for a collective initiative to forge consensus on fundamental issues, according to a news agency.